BHUBANESWARThe eighth edition of the National Toshali Crafts Fair has set new records this year.
The fair, billed as the most successful so far, came to a close on Friday after registering about `5-crore sales and drew more than seven lakh visitors, including foreign tourists. Last year, it had witnessed around 3.56 lakh footfall and recorded `6.63 crore business.
While the Tourism Department of the State Government organised the last seven editions of the mela, it is for the first time that Handloom, Textiles and Handicrafts Department hosted the fair. Besides handicraft and handloom products, the fair showcased various classical, tribal and folk art forms.
The 13-day festival that began last week provided a platform to artisans, weavers, painters and sculptors from all over the country to sell their products. While this year, the number of stalls increased to 300, as many as 556 master craftsmen participated fair that had on display 150 kinds of craft.
Full report here New Indian Express
